On the water
2 hour private surf lesson! (Up to 2 people)
Overview
Two hours, one private instructor, up to two of you, and the slightly unhinged premise that yes, you can surf in Scotland — wetsuit on, dignity loosely attached.
Yes, you can actually surf in Scotland
The Atlantic doesn't know it has reached the 59th parallel, which is excellent news for anyone with a board. Orkney's west-facing beaches catch the same long-period swells that make North Cornwall famous, only with fewer people, no queues, and a strong chance the only spectator is a curious seal. The waves arrive clean, the line-up stays empty, and the scenery is more or less unimproveable.
This lesson is private — just you, or you and a chosen accomplice, plus an instructor who'll calibrate the session entirely around what you want from it. Pure beginners get the pop-up drilled into muscle memory on whitewater; intermediates get talked through reading sets, paddling with intent, and turning down the line. Two hours is enough to feel genuinely competent, or genuinely humbled, depending on the day.
Who it actually suits
If you can swim a reasonable distance and don't object to falling over a lot in cold water, you'll be fine. Reasonable fitness helps because paddling out is the unsexy half of surfing and nobody warns you. Confident swimmers, curious teenagers, mid-life crisis candidates and surf-curious couples are the typical bookings. The private format means a nervous partner and a keen one can be coached at very different paces without anyone holding anyone else up.
Wetsuits, water temperature and what to bring
All equipment is provided, which in Scotland means a proper 5/4mm winter wetsuit, boots and gloves — the full neoprene wardrobe. The North Sea is not a warm bath; expect roughly 8 to 13 degrees depending on the season, with summer at the kinder end and February best treated as a character-building experience. Once you're zipped in and moving, you'll be warmer than you expect, which is the whole engineering miracle of a wetsuit.
Bring a swimsuit to wear underneath, a towel, a warm hat for afterwards, and a flask of something hot if you've got the foresight. A spare set of dry clothes in the car is non-negotiable. The instructor will brief you on tides, rips and where not to drift on the day. Free cancellation gives a sensible exit if the forecast turns properly grim, though the lesson is designed to run in most conditions Orkney throws at it.
What's included
- 2 hour private surf lesson (All equipment provided)
Good to know
Duration
2 hour
Cancellation
Free cancellation
Local context
Best season
May to September (peak experience season)
Orkney's weather is highly maritime — sunshine, sideways rain and strong wind can rotate within an hour. Pack layers regardless of season.
Where it is & nearby stays
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Frequently asked
- How cold is the water, really? +
- Roughly 8 to 13 degrees Celsius depending on the season, with late summer the warmest and late winter the coldest. The supplied 5/4mm wetsuit, boots and gloves keep you genuinely comfortable once you're moving. You'll notice the cold water on your face for the first thirty seconds, then forget about it.
- Is the wetsuit and gear included? +
- Yes — board, leash, full winter wetsuit, boots and gloves are all provided. You only need to bring a swimsuit to wear underneath, a towel, and warm dry clothes for afterwards. No prior kit purchase required, which is the entire appeal of taking a lesson before committing to the sport.
- Is it suitable for total beginners? +
- Absolutely — that's the bread and butter of a private lesson. The instructor starts on the sand with stance and pop-up drills, then moves to the whitewater so you can stand up on small, predictable waves before anything bigger. Most first-timers ride at least a few waves to their feet within the two hours.
- Do I need to be a strong swimmer? +
- You should be comfortable swimming in open water and confident enough not to panic if you fall off. You don't need to be a club-level swimmer, and a leash keeps the board within reach at all times. Tell the instructor on the day if you have any concerns and the lesson stays in your depth.
- What happens if the surf is flat or conditions are unsafe? +
- If the forecast is genuinely unworkable, the lesson is rescheduled or cancelled with a refund — free cancellation applies up to the standard window before the start time. Small or messy surf is rarely a deal-breaker for a beginner lesson; the instructor picks a beach and a wave size that suit your level on the day.
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